ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs Microsoft Intune comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Mar 16, 2022

We performed a comparison between ManageEngine Desktop Central and Microsoft Intune based on our users’ reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.

  • Ease of Deployment: Users of ManageEngine Desktop Central say that implementation is fairly simple and easy. Most Microsoft Intune users, with the exception of a few, also found that deployment was not complex and the initial setup was straightforward.  
  • Features: Valuable features of ManageEngine Desktop Central include a simple provisioning process, patching, a software deployment feature, stability, good scalability, remote troubleshooting, ease of use, solid performance, an inventory feature, and automatic alerts for new releases or updates. Some users feel that ManageEngine Desktop Central lacks some configuration and could improve their documentation and integration. They would also like to see a future SaaS version.

    Microsoft Intune users like the application deployment features, its MAM feature, its single-pane view, security and customization capabilities, its protection policies, integration with conditional access, its autopilot feature, its Windows auto-enrollment, and its stability. However, Microsoft Intune users feel that the Intune dashboard needs a lot of improvement, and that the overall flexibility could be better. 
  • Pricing: ManageEngine Desktop Central users all agree that their pricing is very affordable. Some even consider it to be low compared to their competitors’ pricing. Microsoft Intune users believe the pricing for the product is reasonable. 
  • Service and Support: Users of ManageEngine Desktop Central seem to be satisfied with the customer service and support overall, while Microsoft Intune users have mixed opinions on it, saying that it can be a hit or miss. OSome reviewers also mentioned that Intune’s responses are often delayed.  
  • ROI: Users of both ManageEngine Desktop Central and Microsoft Intune state that they have definitely seen an ROI. ManageEngine Desktop Central reviewers claim they have seen the value of their investment by being able to deploy applications quickly, while users of Microsoft Intune have witnessed significant cost savings. 

Comparison Results: Based on the parameters we compared, ManageEngine Desktop Central seems to be the more favorable product. Its ease of deployment, its solid set of features, its affordable pricing, and its service and support all top Microsoft Intune’s offerings. 

To learn more, read our detailed ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs. Microsoft Intune Report (Updated: March 2023).
686,748 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The patch manager is good, and it's easy to use.""The initial setup is easy.""ManageEngine Desktop Central is stable.""The solution is time-saving and resource-saving.""The setup is pretty simple.""The stability is very good.""Has good functionality and is user-friendly.""I like being able to image over the network. That's a nice feature that it has. Patch management is pretty decent on it as well."

More ManageEngine Endpoint Central Pros →

"Autopilot is a great feature. Most users are looking for a zero-touch deployment.""Its security is most valuable. It gives us a way to secure devices, not only those that are steady. We do have a few tablets and other devices, and it is a way for us to secure these devices and manage them. We know they're out there and what's their status. We can manage their life cycle and verify that they're updated properly.""It works well if you have a Microsoft environment.""The Microsoft Windows Autopilot and Defender policies are the most valuable features of this solution.""The solution is scalable. We currently have tens of thousands of users within our organization using the solution.""The one feature we find most useful is the Mobile Application Manager. There are two types, we have the complete MDM and the Mobile Application Manager(MAM). We don't give our users phones, it is their own personal phone, and we need to allow them to have access to the company detail on their phone. We need to create a balance between their own personal data and the company data. We deploy the Mobile Application Manager for them so that we won't be able to interfere with their own personal data.""We already use a lot of Microsoft products in our company, and therefore, it made sense to also use this product.""It allows our clients to have the confidence to centrally manage policies for security. It helps them in securing the organization from a technology aspect."

More Microsoft Intune Pros →

Cons
"It might be helpful if they offered a simpler way to use the OS deployment function. It's a bit complicated for most of the customers.""The only problem with it is that the setup isn't very intuitive. I know that they just upgraded the product to make it a little bit easier to use, but compared to some of the other platforms, it is not easy to configure it, set it up, and get it running. However, once you have set it up and got it running, it runs great.""ManageEngine Desktop Central is very limited. When you scan your system, it will only recognize Microsoft Windows Defender and BitLocker.""I would like to see them come out with a SaaS version of the product in the future.""The pricing could be a bit better.""The OS deployment could be better.""Improvement of the chats on the web communication through the WAN would be helpful.""The solution lacks some configuration."

More ManageEngine Endpoint Central Cons →

"China blocks Google and Google Play Store, which makes installation challenging. Microsoft Intune is a company software, which has to be installed to the app portal or Microsoft Software Center.""The most important thing is reporting. They should improve their reporting. They should give a free hand to users. In SCCM, I can create my own reports. For example, in SCCM, I can create an inventory report for my PC or for all PCs, but in Intune, we don't have an option to create any report. Microsoft claims that Intune is a successor of SCCM, but SCCM is more powerful than Intune. So, they should develop Intune more and make it equivalent to SCCM. Then, their product will be great in the market.""It just doesn't handle software updates well at all by itself. You need to be a scripting wizard to make those happen properly, or you use third-party tools. The Windows feature updates are very difficult to implement. I would like to see a proprietary built-in remote control tool. I know that they have Team Viewer integrated, but it is not seamless. It would be nice if they had a seamless remote desktop capability directly from the Intune console.""The initial setup is a little bit complex.""It should be simplified. I've worked with many different mobile device management solutions, and Intune is one of the more complex ones. It could be more simplified, and some of it is related to the wording that is being used, such as a configuration profile versus a policy. They really should have had different names to make it less confusing.""Onboarding of endpoint devices is not straightforward. The onboarding process was a little heavier than I thought it would be. That's the key improvement area. Obviously, the more control you have over the devices, the better it is.""The solution requires Mac support.""They need to integrate more with security options."

More Microsoft Intune Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The solution is very affordable."
  • "We had perpetual licenses. The cost was around 36,000, and then you'd have the yearly maintenance fee of 2,000 or 3,000."
  • "The pricing is very low, compared to other products. Compared to Intune or SCCM, it's much less. I can say it's a good product for less of a price."
  • "Affordable for any customer."
  • "Could provide more services on the standard license"
  • "The price could be cheaper."
  • "The initial purchase was around $6,000 or $7,000. We most probably are not on an annual subscription. We bought it, and then we pay for the maintenance. I'm not 100% sure how that's working out."
  • "There are multiple flavors of the app. They have a distributed version for enterprises. It depends on your size. They price it on a per machine basis. 250 or 500 is probably their least amount."
  • More ManageEngine Endpoint Central Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Most of our clients come to us with licensing already in place. On average, it costs $6 per device per month to add Intune to an Office 365 subscription, but I am not sure."
  • "The price is reasonable, but they should lower it a bit to make it more competitive. It's cheaper than AirWatch and other products, but I still feel like Microsoft can make a base version or with Exchange online or a la carte only Intune version which will be useful. A customer who doesn't want to go full-fledged E3 or E5 can take out or consume an Intune solution only for their purpose, and we want to target that customer."
  • "There is a license needed for this solution and it is either included in one of the enterprise license agreements. Microsoft licensing is a mathematical institute, it could be quite complex. We tend to ask specialized organizations to research what the most profitable way it would be for us to use licenses in the organizations."
  • "The licensing costs we leave up to the customer and these vary from one to another."
  • "The pricing needs improvement."
  • "Pricing depends on the features. Microsoft offers special packages if there are more than 10,000 users, and you may be able to get a reduced rate."
  • "They have categorized the licenses according to the size of the business. So, if it's a smaller organization, we can choose the license accordingly. If it's a big organization, then we can choose accordingly. Everything is clearly mentioned, and we can decide. It's suitable for all kinds of infrastructure, and that's very goo"
  • "If you're ever going to buy an Office 365 environment, then pricing is reasonable given all that it does, but if you're not, then you might find the pricing expensive."
  • More Microsoft Intune Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Answers from the Community
    Netanya Carmi
    Janet Staver - PeerSpot reviewerJanet Staver
    Real User

    ManageEngine has a great patch management feature. It is actually one of my favorite features because it allows you to approve or decline whichever windows or third-party patches you want. You can also schedule them during off hours, force reboots, or even wake devices up for patching. ManageEngine also has a very small yet powerful installation file, which I found very easy to deploy across the network even though I have several remote locations. Considering that ManageEngine is a multi-asset and IT process manager, it enables you to effectively manage all of the assets very well and has a very intuitive and dynamic interface.


    One thing I dislike about ManageEngine is their software deployment tools. It’s great for mass deployments but I wish it included one-off deployments to a single computer. Also, in order to enable the file transfer option when you are using it for the first time, you have to install a plugin. Sometimes the control center can be a little slow, too.


    Microsoft Intune is robust and it allows you to deploy applications to its enrolled devices. This makes it a beneficial solution in asset management and also patching machines. It also gives you the ability to restrict user actions on their machines, which I find to be very helpful from a security standpoint. In general, Microsoft Intune’s enrollment process on devices is straightforward and easy. You can set policies, and administrators are able to guide users on how to enroll their machines. One major downside of Microsoft Intune for me is that it has inferior and poor quality device reporting.


    Conclusion:
    Overall, I would recommend ManageEngine because not only is it a well-developed tool, but it also provides an excellent adaptation to its interface, and I have found its implementation and use to be nothing less than exceptional.

    ManojNair1 - PeerSpot reviewerManojNair1
    Real User

    Hi . I use both systems . Intune is simply too good to configure a system via autopilot and enforce AD/ Azure AD policy whereas Desktop Central is excellent for patching 



    Desktop Central is great for patch deployment and software deployment but falls short on many other fronts like correctly reporting information - I had to raise tickets to their support to get it fixed 


    Intune too has its issues - I does not have an inventory reporting functionality


    The company portal is an app which has to be installed on the endpoint . The reporting mechanism is not on par with Desktop Central. 


    DC does not have the OS deployment capability ( OS Deployer is an add on) whereas Intune has the Autopilot capability built into the system to remote install the laptop including enabling bitlocker encryption


    DC has strong patch deployment capability whereas its bit vague on Intune


    This list goes on so Im stopping here 

    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:ManageEngine Desktop Central is very easy to set up, is scalable, stable, and also has very good patch management. What I like most about ManageEngine is that I can log on to every PC very easily and… more »
    Top Answer:The pricing of the solution could be better. The solution should be better at integrating with other solutions. Right now, it's not the best.
    Top Answer:Microsoft Intune is a great tool for managing a mobile device fleet while keeping access control. The solution makes it easy to control security and manage the usage of mobile apps when you have a… more »
    Top Answer:Microsoft Intune is a great configuration management tool and has a lot of good things going for it. Here are some of the things I like about it: Pros: Protected productivity: Intune gives you… more »
    Top Answer: Microsoft Intune offers not only an easy-to-deploy data protection and productivity management solution, but also access to both Microsoft’s user community as well as around-the-clock customer… more »
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    Rating
    8.2
    Views
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    Average Words per Review
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    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    ManageEngine Desktop Central, Desktop Central, ManageEngine Desktop Management MSP
    Intune, MS Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager
    Learn More
    Overview

    Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) is a unified endpoint management and security solution that helps in managing servers, laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets from a central location. It's a modern take on desktop management that can be scaled as per organizational needs.

    Endpoint Central augments a traditional desktop management service, offering more depth and customization. Automate regular endpoint management routines like installing patches, deploying software, imaging and deploying OS. In addition, it also lets you manage assets & software licenses, monitor software usage statistics, manage USB device usage, take control of remote desktops, and more. As a desktop manager, Endpoint Central supports Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Manage your mobile devices to deploy profiles and policies, configure devices for Wifi, VPN, email accounts, etc. Apply restrictions on application installs, camera usage, browser and secure your devices by enabling passcode, remote lock/wipe, etc. Manage all your iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets from a single console.

    Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based service that allows you to remotely manage mobile devices and mobile applications without worrying about the security of your organization’s data. Device and app management can be used on company-owned devices as well as personal devices.

    In an increasingly mobile workforce, Microsoft Intune keeps your sensitive data safe while on the move. Microsoft Intune makes it possible for your team members to work anywhere using their mobile devices. Microsoft Intune provides both the flexibility and the control needed for securing all your data on the cloud, no matter where the device with the data is located.

    Microsoft Intune Device Management Key Features

    With Microsoft Intune Device Management you can:

    • Ensure devices and apps are compliant with your security requirements.
    • Rapidly deploy and authenticate apps on all company devices.
    • Remotely access devices to troubleshoot issues or to remove data from them.
    • Generate reports for all devices in the system.
    • Monitor the way users access and share information to protect company information.
    • Set rules and configure settings on personal and organization-owned devices to access data and networks.
    • Create user groups and device groups, allowing you to rapidly access many users and devices simultaneously.

    Mobile Application Management

    Mobile application management in Intune is designed to protect your organization’s data at the application level.

    With Microsoft Intune Application Management you can:

    • Configure apps to run with specific settings enabled.
    • Update existing apps that are already on the device.
    • See reports on which apps are used and monitor their usage.
    • Selectively wipe organization data from apps.
    • Add mobile apps to user groups and devices.

    As part of Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, Intune integrates with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for access control and with Azure Information Protection for data protection. It also integrates with Microsoft 365 Applications.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Microsoft Intune stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its ability to secure all devices under its management and the flexibility that the solution offers its users.

    A computing services manager notes, "Its security is most valuable. It gives us a way to secure devices, not only those that are steady. We do have a few tablets and other devices, and it is a way for us to secure these devices and manage them. We know they're out there and what's their status. We can manage their life cycle and verify that they're updated properly."

    The head of IT engineering at a financial services company writes, "The one feature we find most useful is the Mobile Application Manager. There are two types: we have the complete MDM and the Mobile Application Manager (MAM). We don't give our users phones, it is their own personal phone, and we need to allow them to have access to the company details on their phone. We need to create a balance between their own personal data and the company data. We deploy the Mobile Application Manager for them so that we won't be able to interfere with their own personal data."

    Offer
    Learn more about ManageEngine Endpoint Central
    Learn more about Microsoft Intune
    Sample Customers
    Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Strathallan School, BMI Healthcare, Comercial Kywi, First Priority Federal Credit Union, Gerab National Enterprises
    Mitchells and Buzzers, Callaway
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm18%
    Computer Software Company13%
    Healthcare Company8%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company16%
    Comms Service Provider11%
    Educational Organization9%
    Government8%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company21%
    Financial Services Firm16%
    Comms Service Provider11%
    Manufacturing Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company17%
    Government9%
    Educational Organization8%
    Comms Service Provider7%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business33%
    Midsize Enterprise19%
    Large Enterprise47%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise24%
    Large Enterprise49%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business31%
    Midsize Enterprise12%
    Large Enterprise57%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business24%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise56%
    Buyer's Guide
    ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs. Microsoft Intune
    March 2023
    Find out what your peers are saying about ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs. Microsoft Intune and other solutions. Updated: March 2023.
    686,748 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    ManageEngine Endpoint Central is ranked 4th in Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) with 27 reviews while Microsoft Intune is ranked 1st in Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) with 76 reviews. ManageEngine Endpoint Central is rated 8.2, while Microsoft Intune is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of ManageEngine Endpoint Central writes "Useful for patching and software deployment, but needs a proactive remediation feature ". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Microsoft Intune writes "Enables you to use MDM to lock devices and push restrictions, but isn't as stable as other solutions". ManageEngine Endpoint Central is most compared with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf Pro, ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus and Symantec Client Management Suite, whereas Microsoft Intune is most compared with VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf Pro, IBM MaaS360, Google Cloud Identity and SOTI MobiControl. See our ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs. Microsoft Intune report.

    See our list of best Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) vendors and best UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) vendors.

    We monitor all Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.